8/16/2016

Disney has already released two live-action remakes this year with The Jungle Book and Pete's Dragon, but they've got plenty more on the way. The one that seem to have moved into the pole position is The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, with multiple casting notices over the last couple of weeks. Now you can add one more as Keira Knightley has signed on.

Variety reports Knightley is joining the previously-cast Mackenzie Foy, ballet dancer Misty Copeland and Morgan Freeman in the film directed by Lasse Hallstrom. She'll take on the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, who helps rule the Land of Sweets. This won't be a traditional take on the material as it will combine aspects of the famous ballet and the E.T.A. Hoffman's original story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.

Knightley will be seen next opposite Will Smith in Collateral Beauty, expected to be a potential awards season film this December. So far The Nutcracker and the Four Realms hasn't been given a release date. Possibly next year around the holidays? [Variety]